AAAID Explores Strategic Partnership with IFC to Strengthen Food Security in the Arab Region

AAAID Explores Strategic Partnership with IFC to Strengthen Food Security in the Arab Region

Date: 21 Oct, 2025

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) is exploring strategic cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, to enhance food security across Arab countries.

During an official working visit to Washington, H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of AAAID, met with a senior IFC delegation led by Mr. Wagner Albuquerque de Almeida, Global Director of Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Forestry, alongside Mr. Ashruf Megahed, Regional Industry Head - Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services for the Middle East, Pakistan, Central Asia and Turkey, and Ms. Shelisa Samgy, Upstream & Advisory Manager for the Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Ayman El Henawy, Director of Communication and International Relations at AAAID.

The discussions focused on strengthening investment partnerships and collaboration in agriculture and food security, while reviewing AAAID's strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the Arab region's capacity for food self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural development.

H.E. Dr. Al Zaabi emphasized that AAAID is committed to turning ideas into action, partnerships into measurable progress, and building resilient bridges for future generations.

The meeting highlights AAAID's ongoing efforts to engage with leading global institutions such as IFC, supporting sustainable agricultural growth and regional food security initiatives across the Arab world.